Lake Norman Currents 0311

currents Alan Simonini talks real estate Dana Gingras shares what’s behind his art An eco-friendly Davidson dream home

The Home & Garden Issue Explore a Cornelius

3

vol. 3 number

March 2011

www.LnCurrents.com

garden full of surprises

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Contents |

10 The Main Channel 16 Porthole 18 The Captain’s Chair What’s hip at Lake Norman

Heart of Hope and ICE Gala

Alan Simonini talks about the real estate market and what he’s up to these days

20

20 Strong Currents

18

Plans for the National Sports and Nutrition Center of North Carolina could mean big things for the lake

24 Rip Currents — Art Mooresville’s Dana Gingras explains the ins and outs of his work

28 What’s Cooking Chef Troy Gagliardo shares how to spice up the poultry in your life

28

31 Around the Track Wind tunnel testing in Mooresville helps the fast go faster

32 The Galley 34 Grapevine 38 Game On 42 Home Port —

It’s all about the food at Galway Hooker

24 40

Chenin Blanc is a hidden pleasure

31

Disc golfers take their game to the air

Garden

Laura Curran’s garden is an artist’s palette and playground

46 Home Port Lake Norman Currents | March 2011

Architect Paul Green designed a home in Davidson that celebrates beauty and sustainability

46

53 Currently 56 One More Thing Lake Norman welcomes Bark for Life

36

Interior Designer Kathleen McMahan tells you how to give your home a spring makeover

6

32

Save money at local businesses by becoming a Gold’s Gym member New program benefits local businesses AND gym members

Jan Donnelly of Cornelius is loyal to her hair salon, dry cleaner and dog groomer. She hopes these businesses and more sign up to be part of the new ADvantage program with Gold’s Gym, where she’s been a member for two years.

“By partnering with Gold’s and offering discounts to gym members, they’ll keep enjoying my business and I’ll refer my friends, too,” says Donnelly.

“They’ll get more customers, and I’ll save money each week.”

ADvantage is Gold’s newest initiative to help members, as well as local businesses, beat their economic woes.

Kelly Bloom of Gold’s Gym in Lake Norman and North Charlotte, says the ADvantage program is a win-win-win for everyone. When members shop, dine, or treat themselves at local businesses that participate in ADvantage, they’ll save money — maybe as much as $8 a week or $32 a month, says Bloom.

volume,” says Bloom.

A worldwide leader in health and fitness facilities, Gold’s Gym in the Lake Norman area has welcomed more members ages 30-70 in the past year than most gyms in Charlotte. Gold’s is a partner with the American Diabetes Association and the official gym of AARP. Donnelly anticipates saving as much as $35 or more a month — maybe even earning money with her Gold’s membership and

Want to know more?

Visit your local Gold’s Gym to get your free ADvantage card, or to become a Gold’s member and enroll for free in the new program. Businesses interested in signing up for the program should visit www.gymadvantage. com and submit a request.

FINALLY Get Paid To Workout!!!

Win A Free Membership!

TEXT: golds3231 To :825725 Standard Text Messaging Rates Apply

FREE 7 Day Workout Pass

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Must be a local resident, 1st-time user, 14 and older with local id or proof. Must present this coupon. Not valid with any other offers.

Currents

With purchase of 1yr or more membership.

Must present this coupon at sign-up. Not valid with any other offers. *Processing fee applies

Currents

23 As Low As

“By simply flashing their ADvantage card and maintaining their chic lifestyle, they’ll enjoy great discounts at places where they already shop and in restaurants they already frequent.

The savings can offset the cost of their membership,” she explains.

Participating businesses will be listed monthly in the Gold’s newsletter that goes to members, and also will be included in Gold’s promotional programs. “Hair salons, dry cleaners, pet groomers, automotive services, restaurants and more will reap free advertising and an increase in business

the ADvantage program. “Who wouldn’t join a gym if it were free, or better yet, stay a member if they got paid to work out?”

Get Started $ Now! Monthly Price Match Guarantee!

Bring in your current membership contract and Gold’s Gym will match it. Must be a new member. Other restrictions may apply!

www.GoldsGym.com Gold’s Gym Lake Norman Gold’s Gym Mooresville Gold’s Gym Cornelius Gold’s Gym N. Charlotte 20420 West Catawba Ave 191 B West Plaza Drive 24/7 Executive Club 24/7 Executive Club Cornelius, NC 28031 Mooresville, NC 28117 20035 Jetton Road, Suite D 8709 Arbor Creek Drive Bldg E-1 (Formerly Peak Fitness) (Across from Randy Marion) Cornelius, NC 28031 (Lowe’s Eastfield Phone: 704-895-8100 Phone: 704-664-4022 (Formerly Core Fitness) Village Shopping Center) Phone: (704) 895-4545 Charlotte, NC 28269 Phone: 704-274-9075

* Kids Corner • Personal Training • Tanning • GGX Classes Included * 24/7 Key Card Access • Complimentary Hand Towel Service • Travel Privileges To 650 Locations

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Lori K. Tate

Be thankful for every day

D

uring the week of warm weather we had in February, I caught a terrible case of spring fever. As soon as the thermometer flirted with 60 degrees, I reached for my shorts and my sandals and opened my sunroof. I dared to think that we might be through with this dreadful winter, but in the back of mind I knew I’d have to wear my boots a few more times before it was officially spring.

For those folks who moved here from up North, our definition of a dreadful winter probably seems pretty funny, but any southerner who’s worth their weight in sweet tea will tell you that they hate being cold. Therefore, winter is the most dreaded season of all here.

I suppose the dreariness kicks in after the holidays. All through December we have parties, parades and concerts, and then boom, we’re hit with a month of dismal weather that has the audacity to have 31 days. This year dur-

8

ing January I found myself feeling pretty down.

The things that usually interest and appeal to me lost their luster, and I couldn’t find the sun anywhere no matter how hard I looked.

In addition to the depressing weather, the Lake Norman community suffered the deaths of two young mothers – both died of cancer. While I didn’t know these women, their deaths hit me hard. As I learned more about their fight against this merciless disease, I felt guilty for feeling blue about the weather. I felt guilty about feeling blue about anything, and therein is the gift in the worst of tragedies.

I keep a picture of my cousin, Jackie, on my dresser so I can see her face every morning. Jackie died at 32 from breast cancer. She was diagnosed at 26. Looking at her picture reminds of what a gift every single day is, and it inspires me to do what I can with the 24 hours that lay before me. Not every day is perfect, not every day is good, but I’m thankful for it, and I do what I can.

During the spring, I think I try a little harder because everything around me is trying a little harder. Daffodils are bursting through the ground, baby goslings are learning the ways of the world from their protective parents and the sun decides to work overtime. With all of those things going on, how can I be stressed about deadlines, taxes or fitting into my swimsuit.

So this spring as you open your windows and breathe in the new season, take advantage of what all it has to offer and you’ll discover just how lucky you are.

Happy spring!

www.facebook.com/LNCurrents www.twitter.com/LNCurrents

2010 Gold MarCom Award Winner for Best Magazine 2009 APEX Award Winner for Publication Excellence

photo by Glenn Roberson

At the Helm |

Celebrate Spring

The magazine by and for the people who call Lake Norman home

Lake Norman CURRENTS is a monthly publication available through direct-mail home delivery to the most affluent Lake Norman residents. It also is available at area Harris Teeter supermarkets, as well as various Chambers of Commerce, real estate offices and specialty businesses.

Subscriptions are available for $19 per year.

Send us your name, address, phone number and a check made payable to Lake Norman CURRENTS at the address below and we’ll start your subscription with the next available issue.

Lori K. Tate Editor Lori@LNCurrents.com Sharon Simpson Publisher Sharon@LNCurrents.com

Carole Lambert Advertising Sales Executive Carole@LNCurrents.com

Cindy Gleason Advertising Sales Executive Cindy@LNCurrents.com

Jennifer Patnode Advertising Sales Executive Jennifer@LNCurrents.com

Kim Morton Advertising Sales Executive Kim@LNCurrents.com

Trisha Robinson Advertising Sales Executive Trisha@LNCurrents.com SPARK Publications Publication Design & Production info@SPARKpublications.com www.SPARKpublications.com Ad Production - Stacie Mounts About the Cover: Photo illustration by Larry Preslar.

Mission Statement: Lake Norman CURRENTS magazine will embody the character, the voice and the spirit of its readers, its leaders and its advertisers. It will connect the people of Lake Norman through inspiring, entertaining and informative content, photography and design; all of which capture the elements of a well-lived life on and around the community known as Lake Norman.

Lake Norman CURRENTS P.O. Box 1676, Cornelius, NC 28031 704-749-8788 • www.LNCurrents.com The entire contents of this publication are protected under copyright. Unauthorized use of any editorial or advertising content in any form is strictly prohibited.

Lake Norman CURRENTS magazine is wholly owned by Venture Magazines, LLC.

Vol. 4 No. 3 March 2011 www.LNCurrents.com

T H E A R E A’ S L A R G E S T S A L O N & S P A

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Main Channel Movers, Shakers, Style, Shopping, Trends, Happenings and More at Lake Norman

Trudi and Brian Lamond have met Trudi’s cancer diagnosis with a positive attitude.

Lake Norman Currents | March 2011

Finding a New Path Brian and Trudi Lamond are proof that optimism can take you anywhere 10

It’s hard to be in a bad mood when you walk into the newly opened Life is Good store in Birkdale Village. With quotes on the walls like “We will never know all the good a simple smile can do,” “Optimism can take you anywhere,” “Good vibes are contagious” and “Do what you like, like what you do,” this place is full of positive energy. That’s a good thing for customers, and it’s also good for Brian Lamond, the owner.

In 2008 Brian’s wife, Trudi, was diagnosed with Stage Four Metastatic Breast Cancer. From the beginning of her diagno-

sis, the couple has taken on a positive attitude. “You can only let everything get you down so far,” says Brian, a former real estate broker and general contractor. “You’ve got to look beyond, and you’ve got to make the most of your life.”

Before Trudi was diagnosed she worked at Ingersoll Rand in Davidson. When the real estate market came to a halt, and Trudi was forced to stop working by her doctors, the Lamonds, who have two daughters, Lilli, 10, and Ella, 8, had to find a new path.

“We were kind of sitting around the house together, twiddling our thumbs, and looking for something to do, and Life is Good came up. I have cousins who have a Life is Good store [in Sylva], so we always loved Life is Good,” explains 46-year-old Trudi. “It’s just inspirational,” adds Brian.

In addition to Life is Good’s uplifting philosophy, the store has also helped the family focus on something else besides Trudi’s illness. “It helps a lot. I enjoy working up here and just getting away from everything,” says Brian, as the family lives on Lake Wylie. “Trudi comes up, and at times she’ll fill in. I think it helps her too.”

“We have a new life basically that we’ve had to conform to and all the pieces have come together well,” says Trudi. “We’re fortunate to be here, and we’re fortunate meeting all the Lake Norman community people because this a new community to us and we’re just meeting wonderful, wonderful people as they come into our store every single day. …Right now, life is good.”

— LKT, photography by Glenn Roberson The Scoop Life is Good Birkdale Village, Huntersville 704.237.4815

www.LNCurrents.com

Just Make It!

Pasta Alfresco from Prosciutto’s Pizzeria, Pub & Restaurant in Cornelius 14 ounces angel hair 6 ounces grilled chicken breast diced 4 ounces prosciuttos, sliced and chopped 4 ounces black olives sliced 4 ounces red onions diced 4 ounces fresh mushrooms diced 4 ounces roasted red peppers diced 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil 1/2 cup dry white wine 5 ounces fresh basil chopped 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 3 ounces of Pecorino Romano cheese grated 4 ounces large garlic cloves chopped Salt and pepper to taste

Lake Norman Miniature Golf is a maze of challenging holes with tricky rolls, water features, a hole with a cave and cascading waterfall, and a model train.

Putting Around

Lake Norman Miniature Golf offers a new entertainment option

www.LNCurrents.com

holes that are randomly selected each day, they win a free round of golf.

Limited refreshments are offered, while a covered patio offers the perfect spot for parties.

“They come here, they play,” says Kip, “they come off, and they’re happy, excited.”

— Cathy Swiney, photography by Chad Macy The Scoop The fee for a round of golf is $8 for 7 years and older, and $6 for 4-6 years. Children three years and younger are free with a paying adult. Group rates and prepaid game cards are available.

The miniature golf course, which will be open through Thanksgiving weekend, will be open from March 25-May 1 on Sunday-Thursday, noon-8 p.m.; Friday, noon-10 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m-10 p.m. Summer hours (May 2-October 2) are Monday, noon-10 p.m.; Tuesday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m-11 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Lake Norman Miniature Golf, 18639 Statesville Road, Cornelius, 704.892.9800, www.lknminigolf.com.

11

Lake Norman Currents | March 2011

Ready, set, putt! After teasing residents with a four-week opening this fall before closing for winter, Kip and Kari Zent are set to open Lake Norman Miniature Golf in Cornelius on March 25.

“We had just over 3,000 in our doors [during that short time],” Kip says. “It was awesome to throw open the doors and bam, people came out of the woodwork.”

The lighted 18-hole course is a maze of challenging holes with tricky rolls, water features, a hole with a cave and cascading waterfall, and a model train.

Kari says the most challenging hole is No. 3, an inverted L with a big bank. The Zents say there is a trick to No. 10, the Stream Hole, which causes many sighs of relief and whoops of joy when revealed. The round literally ends in the toilet, where an outhouse awaits.

“It’s not a canned course,” Kip says. “We had input on every single hole.”

To keep the game even more exciting, if golfers make a hole-in-one on either of two

Instructions • Cook the angel hair according to directions and set aside.

• Heat extra virgin olive oil over mediumhigh heat. When hot, add meats and vegetables and cook until the vegetables have softened.

• Add garlic and cook until garlic browns, then deglaze the pan with the white wine.

• Add salt and pepper to taste.

• Let simmer and reduce for one minute, then turn off the heat.

• Add basil and butter, then toss with pasta.

• Plate and top with Romano cheese.

The Main Channel |

Spring into Color

Spring is all about beautiful colors. With that in mind, we asked three local interior designers to tell us which paint colors are hot in home design. Here’s what they had to say…

My favorite architectural colors are those that have multiple personalities so they can be versatile and interesting. Lighting plays an even larger role with these types of color, so a breakfast room, for instance, will have one attitude in the morning and a completely different style in the evening. Benjamin Moore Topeka Taupe is a fashion-forward color that hosts a warm mix of gray, brown and eggplant. It lends itself to masculine settings like a home theater but would work well in any room. When a lighter tone is better, try Benjamin Moore Gray Mountain.

Kelly Cruz, Kelly Cruz Interiors, Inc. The trendy colors for 2011 are HOT. Vibrancy of color is more important than the actual color selected. You can choose your favorite from turquoise, green, yellow or orange, but the key is to make it bold and bright.

Barbara Green, Sensibly Chic Interior Design

Lake Norman Currents | March 2011

I am having a love affair with Benjamin Moore Storm AF-700. It is strong enough to balance the bright colors we are seeing in fabrics. With Honeysuckle Pink being the color of the year 2011, we need a cool, clean neutral to stabilize the punch. It is calm, cool and sophisticated. It also looks great with a splash of orange, lemon or purple. It is sexy with textured fabrics in cream and tan.

Starr Miller, Starr Miller Interior Design, Inc.

12

Shop & Tell

More space and tons of glamour

by Lori K. Tate L2 has moved and expanded. No worries, it’s still located in Downtown Mooree difference is size. The new space is 2,500 square feet, where the former space sville, and its new space is just as charming as its former space across the street was. Thwas a mere 500. “Our business has been thriving down here,” says owner LeeAnn Little. “I think the one thing that was kind of holding us back was the size.”

Now that Little has more size, she can carry more lines. Look for designs by Free People, Nanette Lepore, LinQ, Ya LA, Waverly Grey and more. This spring L2 will be carrying shoes by Jeffrey Campbell. “We’ve also picked up a few lower price point lines that are under $100,” explains Little. “We’re just able to stock a lot more designers.”

The boutique is also able to offer more dressing rooms. “We’ve got three dressing rooms now, whereas in the old store we had one.

One of our dressing rooms is built out much, much larger, and we have a little toy chest in there for little boys and little girls who come in with their moms,” says Little. “It’s a great little environment for kids also.”

Find L2 on Facebook Avalilly’s in Cornelius is now carrying GlamNoir accessories for those who want to add a little bling to their everyday lives. Think shiny black and gold credit card holders, purse hangers, compacts, bangles, diamond encrusted USB ports, and sparkly keychains featuring crowns and fleur-de-lis.

GlamNoir accessories at Avalilly’s in www.avalillys.com Cornelius add bling to everyday life.

Now that Bebe Gallini’s in Cornelius is carrying jewelry by Mark Edge, you can accessorize like a celebrity. Courteney Cox Arquette, Jane Fonda, Vanessa Williams, Martina McBride, Drew Barrymore and CNN’s Sophia Choi all are loyal fans of the Atlanta jewelry designer.

“He [Edge] collects vintage findings — maybe it’s a piece of turquoise or a key or whatever. Then he makes these incredible necklaces and earrings and bracelets. He does this one necklace that you can wear seven ways,” says Carole May, co-owner of Bebe Gallini’s. “It’s just a really fun line. It’s just something different.” www.bebegallinis.com

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Lake Norman Currents | March 2011

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The Main Channel |

Catch of the Day

David and Josh Meeks bring weekly selections of seafood back from the coast Already planning a visit to your favorite fish markets during a summer trip to the coast? With the help of the folks at Flying Fish Seafood & Company in Davidson, your favorite selections might actually be closer than you think.

The Flying Fish Seafood & Company, owned by father and son team David and Josh Meeks, started visiting a shrimper in Shem Creek, South Carolina in 2008 and bringing back their treasures to the Lake Norman area. From there, the premise behind their company was born. They wanted to replicate the feel of coastal, small-dock markets; those roadside treasures filled with fresh seafood, produce, and often, boiled peanuts.

“We’re foodies,” says David. “We’re fishermen and know there’s nothing available in this area.”

Once a week, the two men travel to the North or South Carolina coast to pick up fresh fish.

Currently, they are bringing back fish such as flounder, red snapper, tuna, triggerfish, scallops

Lake Norman Currents | March 2011

14

and North Carolina oysters.

“Everything we do is hands on, “ says David.

“We have a facility where we clean, fillet and prepare everything for market ourselves. We don’t do warehouse or ‘FedExed’ seafood here.”

The Meeks sell their fresh, chemical and preservative-free selections on Thursday and Friday afternoons at their anchor market at the corner of Presbyterian Road and Highway 115 in Davidson. You can also find Flying Fish Seafood at the Davidson Farmers Market (check the market’s seasonal schedule) and The Bradford Store in Huntersville on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

David says his favorite part of the business is meeting all the people who stop by the market.

He offers plenty of cooking tips and enjoys swapping recipes with customers. To keep up with the weekly catches, sign up for Flying Fish’s weekly e-newsletter, which is sent out each Wednesday.

— Renee Roberson, photography by Candy Howard

From left, Josh Meeks and his father, David, run Flying Fish Seafood & Company in Davidson.

Currently the Meeks’ offer seafood treasures such as flounder, red snapper, tuna, triggerfish, scallops and North Carolina oysters.

The Scoop To learn more about Flying Fish Seafood & Company, visit www.hattiesfreshmarket.com or call 704.562.7052.

www.LNCurrents.com

Progressive Pilates

Join us for our Grand Reopening!

Re-create Your Body From the Inside Out Private Semi-private Sessions On Sat. Jan. 8,and 2011, from 12-3pmPilates we’ll be giving away Small Group Classes door prizes, holding sample classes and demonstrating GYROTONIC® - our newest style of exercise! Be sure to Offering GYROTONIC® stop by andNow say hello! a multi-dimensional movement system to strengthen your body.

Call today for your complementary consultation.

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19722 One Norman Blvd., Suite 210 • Cornelius, NC 28031 info@progressive-pilates.com • 704-987-5005

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GYROTONIC is a registered trademark of Gyrotonic Sales Corp and is used with their permission.

at blowing rock

2011 Wine & Food Festival Packages “Create Your Own” Package

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 “Wine Lover’s Delight” Package Includes two nights accommodations 2 Tickets to the Grand Wine Tasting 2 Reservations for the Chetola - Childress Vineyards Winemakers Dinner on April 15th Starts at $612 per couple

Two Day Orvis Fly Fishing School March 25-27, 2011 Birding Weekend with The Nature Conservancy May 13-15, 2011

One Day Orvis Fly Fishing School May 14, 2011 Return to Mitford Celebrate Jan Karon’s Mitford series of books with a weekend full of activities. June 2-5, 2011

Blowing Rock, NC | 800-243-8652 | www.chetola.com www.LNCurrents.com

15

Lake Norman Currents | March 2011

• • •

Upcoming Events & Packages

Porthole |

Heart of Hope

Hope House Foundation held a Valentine’s fundraiser on February 5 at The Palace at Kenton Place in Cornelius. The evening included a variety of delectable foods, entertainment by the Taylor Vaden Band, dancing, a live auction with auctioneer Terry Blevins and a variety of silent auction items.

Hope House’s mission is to serve homeless women and children in the Lake Norman community with shelter, support and services.

– photos courtesy of Hope House

From left, Deborah Bowen and Ingrid Merrifield.

The Zappone family.

From left, Kandi Ranson and Bob McIntosh, Hope House Foundation board members.

Table centerpieces created by Ice by Premo. Georgia Krueger, Marcia Avedon and Charlie Farrar.

Dinner and dancing filled the night.

From left, Adrianne and Cliff McKee and Regina and David Swinea.

ICE Gala

Lake Norman Currents | March 2011

On January 22nd, Michael Waltrip Racing in Cornelius was transformed into a winter wonderland to benefit the Ada Jenkins Center. Partnering with sponsors and individuals, this signature event is designed to raise awareness of the Ada Jenkins Center and its many programs, while providing an opportunity for the community to come together to raise much needed funds to help meet the needs of folks in the Lake Norman area.

– Photos by Deborah Young Photography 16

From left, event chairs Jean Bock and Lynelle Crowell, along with Debbie Pickens and Laura Engel.

Emcee for the evening, Wes Strickland, and Georgia Krueger, executive director Ada Jenkins Center. www.LNCurrents.com

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Lake Norman Currents | March 2011

www.LNCurrents.com

Proud Member of The Hall Marine Group

Captains Chair |

Alan Simonini estimates he’s built more than 400 homes in some of Lake Norman’s top neighborhoods.

F

by Scott Graf Photography by Glenn Roberson

or the past two decades, Alan Simonini has widely been considered one of Lake Norman’s premier luxury homebuilders. The 57-year-old Illinois native estimates he’s built more than 400 homes in some of the lake’s top neighborhoods.

But the changing housing market brought on by the sluggish economy forced Simonini to close his longtime company Simonini Builders in 2010. Today he’s partnered with a young family member, nephew-in-law John Tammaro, to open Alan Simonini Homes.

The new company specializes in luxury homes and high-end renovations.

We recently caught up with Simonini to talk about his impact on the lake, how the recession has changed things and what his future holds.

How did you end up at Lake Norman?

I started down at Lake Wylie in a golf and waterfront community. We built higher-end homes there. We kind of grew from my father and I building a couple homes a year to my brother joining the business. We started doing more houses. Then in the early ’90s when they started The Peninsula development, we were the first builders in there.

What’s been attractive to you about building in this area?

We’ve kind of always specialized in waterfront, golf course neighborhoods. And

the

Lake Norman Currents | March 2011

Next Chapter 18

Alan Simonini talks about the real estate market and what he's up to these days www.LNCurrents.com

building a house that fit in that type of community was what we’d done from the very beginning, so it seemed like a very natural fit for us. Of course, some of those houses sold for some of the highest prices ever in the history of Mecklenburg County. I know we built the first $1 million spec house in The Peninsula in 1991. And then we built the first $3 million spec house in The Peninsula in 1996.

What are some of the more recognizable names you’ve built for on the lake?

I’ve built for Reggie White, Michael Dean Perry, Anthony Pleasant, Levon Kirkland, Dan Morgan. Those are all football players. I’ve built for some NASCAR people like Matt Kenseth, Elliott Sadler, Greg Biffle and Jeff Burton.

thought it was an appropriate time for it to happen. I’m looking forward to the future and helping out my nephew-in-law.

I understand you’re selling your house on Lake Norman. When it does sell, do you plan on staying at the lake?

ents live in Antiquity. My sister lives in Huntersville. My nieces and nephews all live at Lake Norman. My wife has all of her friends here. So we’re not going anywhere. LNC Scott Graf is a Corneliusbased broadcaster and freelance writer. A native of Iowa, he has lived in the Lake Norman area since 2006.

Oh yeah. Our entire family is here. My par-

ExploreThe Depot

How has the real estate market here been affected by the recession?

It’s been pretty stable, especially around Exit 28. Because Exit 28 is a very desirable place to live and it’s pretty much built out already, the value has gone down some but not a lot. I think things have gone down about, just guessing, by about 10 percent. Not like the 50 percent you’ve seen in some other places. A lot of that has to do with inventory. Outside of Robbins Park [in Cornelius], I’m not aware of any new homes that have been built in the last few years.

How has the recession changed what people at the lake want in their homes?

It wasn’t very emotional. [He laughs.] I just www.LNCurrents.com

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Lake Norman Currents | March 2011

I think everybody is re-evaluating their lifestyle and thinking more about what they need instead of what they want. And they’re willing to cut back to simpler things. They still want nice things but maybe not as many of them.

Maybe not as big of a house. But there’s still people that want a big, nice house. But there’s fewer of them.

Strong Currents |

E

by Mike Savicki Photography by Glenn Roberson

ddie Shaner and James Creel of Huntersville are two modern-day pioneers who share a common passion for youth. They believe in educating, developing and building future leaders through sports, and they believe that all children need access to affordable, high-quality places to play, train, learn and grow.

They recognize there is an overcrowding of area athletic fields and have taken the bold first step of initiating a master plan that may soon reshape

the landscape of youth sports in the region.

Shaner and Creel are the architects behind the proposed National Sports and Nutrition Center of North Carolina, a state-of-the-art sports, training and nutrition complex that will include upwards of 38 sports fields; an 18-court tennis center; a multi-purpose stadium for football, soccer, lacrosse and track; and a 176,000-squarefoot, state-of-the-art indoor training facility.

“We know this is a lofty project, but we did From left, Brian Fink, Eddie Shaner, Rick Constable and Tami Kincer review plans for the National Sports and Nutrition Center.

a new home for

Lake Norman Currents | March 2011

Sports & Nutrition Two pioneers are thinking big for the youth of Lake Norman

20

it on purpose,” says Eddie Shaner, president and CEO of the Lake Norman Recreation Association (LKNRA) and an administrator in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School system. “This is a dream I have had for years, but it’s not a dream I want to hold onto and keep to myself.”

Building character Creel, the association’s vice president and COO, as well as a financial services counselor and commercial loan officer who has captained sports leagues in three states and coached youth sports since 1978, believes the project reaches beyond sport. “Our big idea here is to develop character and build future leaders by giving the kids all the opportunities they deserve,” he says. “It is about making the community better.”

At the center of the master plan is an indoor training facility that represents a giant leap in youth training and education. It will incorporate four baseball and softball infields convertible for soccer, football, lacrosse, rugby and adaptive sports, along with batting cages, a college-level weight training center, personal training and locker rooms, banquet, meeting and educational classrooms, and a family entertainment and full-service dining facility.

The facility will also offer tutoring and test preparation, nutrition education to fight obesity, and a mentoring program where elite athletes are given the opportunity to give back to the community by coaching and mentoring younger players. When completed, the facility will maintain a staff of 65 full- and part-time employees, including physical trainers, educational counselors and nutritionists.

“The ideal situation is to have enough playing space where every kid can have the opportunity to play at a price that is affordable to the family no matter their economic situation,” says Shaner. “And we wanted to include education in the plan because kids need to know that sports participation shouldn’t come at the expense of schooling. When you get up to high school, for example, if you don’t make the grades then you don’t get to play.”

Construction of both the proposed indoor trainContinued on page 22 www.LNCurrents.com

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Lake Norman Currents | March 2011

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We’re in it for LIFE Continued from page 20

ing facility and the outdoor sports complex will occur in six phases once land and funding have been secured. Shaner and Creel have set an overall fund raising target of $20.5 million and are in talks with local municipalities to finalize a location. “By the spring of 2012 we hope to at least get kids out on some ball fields,” says Shaner.

We’re all about caring for

you!

Filling the need Creel believes the complex will make the Lake Norman region more attractive to hosting championship tournaments and events and estimates it will bring between $10 and $15 million annual revenue to the Lake Norman area. Incorporating solar technology with green building techniques, Creel also says it will be one of the most environmentally friendly sports complexes in the Southeast.

“This is simply something we can’t afford not to do no matter what the economy might say,” says Shaner. “This is a lofty and ambitious project in a challenging environment, but the necessity won’t wait. Our kids are doing less and less while parents are working more and more hours just to make ends meet. The time is now. The kids need this.” LNC

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With no initiation fees, no minimums, and no assessments, our dues-only membership plan will get you on the course without spending the usual green. For membership information, call 704-949-1280 or go to www.NorthStoneClub.com.

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Lake Norman Currents | Macrh 2011

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Rip Currents­—Art |

by Lori K. Tate Photography by Wes Stearns

Mooresville’s Dana Gingras explains the ins and outs of his work

Sculpture Tells Every

Lake Norman Currents | March 2011

a Story

24

www.LNCurrents.com

A

fter working as an X-ray technician for 40 years, a retired Lynne Gingras decided to open an art gallery. The result is the newly opened Andre Christine Gallery in Mooresville. While the gallery is filled with all types of art from blown glass to paintings to jewelry to woodwork, perhaps the most eye-catching pieces are the sculptures displayed on the gallery’s front lawn.

Created by her 35-year-old son, Dana, who has a spacious studio in the basement of the gallery, these gargantuan pieces of art command your attention based on their size alone.

However, there’s so much more to his work than size. We recently took a tour with Dana to learn the stories behind these pieces. His inspiration might just surprise you.

Ode to Oblio Inspired by the animated film The Point, Dana originally created this colorful piece for a resort in Litchfield Beach, South Carolina.

“The movie was all about Oblio and how he had no point. Everybody he knew had points, and he needed to find his point in life,” explains Dana, who created this piece in 2005.

“In a lot of my older work, I did colorful, bright things.”

Keyhole “This one I built for myself,” says Dana of Keyhole. He explains that this piece uses negative space as little frames or pictures you can peak through. “It developed out of a commission I had to do. The people wanted a very big piece, but they also had a gorgeous yard and a beautiful house.

They wanted part of the sculpture to frame out the horizon. So I made that piece, and I started developing that theory more and more.”

Zephyr Dana worked with artist Catherine Murphy on this piece while he was living in Asheville.

For a while Zephyr was displayed at the Grovewood Gallery in Asheville. A sister piece to Zephyr is currently on display at The North Carolina Arboretum. “Zephyr means a light wind,” explains Dana. “We just wanted to catch the movement of the wind, tie together the strength of the steel and the playfulness of the copper.” www.LNCurrents.com

25

Lake Norman Currents | Macrh 2011

Remembering You “A really good friend of mine passed away, and this is kind of what came out of it,” says Dana. Made of metal, as all of his sculptures are, Remembering You takes on human qualities because of its shape and height. “You look through the negative space and you see up more towards the sky. It’s also sort of a reference to where his head would be.

He’s not there anymore, and the stuff I would get from his head I don’t get anymore because he can’t talk to me.

That’s not an elegant description, but that’s what was going on.”

These days Dana acid washes the surface of the metal and then sand blasts it, giving the material a rusty shimmer. “Sometimes you’ll look and say that’s just rusty, but you kind of get to control some of the rust, says Dana.

“I seal it in, so I won’t lose it.”

Rip Currents­—Art |

Graviton Dana says Graviton came about when he was making a smaller wooden piece. “I was reading an article about making circles in wood, and so I started doing this piece, and I was really inspired by it and then I was like, ‘hmmm I want to see it big.’ I tend to want to make things bigger and bigger because to me it’s more fun. There are more challenges involved and all that,” he says.

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Dana soon figured out how he could make this form out of metal. There are approximately 268 pieces of metal involved with this piece. “A graviton is actually a theoretical subatomic particle that is said to have no mass, and they [scientists] don’t know what it looks like. I thought it would be fun to make something that says, ‘This is kind of what I think it would look like, and it has a lot of mass.’ All in all, it weighs about 900 pounds.”

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Swirl Dana created Swirl in 2006. “Really I just built it because I wanted to make something move in my yard. It was just solving a problem,” he says. The top of Swirl weighs about 400 pounds. “My favorite part of the whole piece is the bearing. It’s like a 16th-of-an inch thick, and I think it can hold 1,100 pounds.

Just the gentlest wind moves it,” says Dana. “A lot of times if I’m not working on a commission, I make things for my amusement. I just want to do stuff that I really enjoy and like or to see if I can. That’s how the theories tend to progress, just by pushing.” LNC www.LNCurrents.com

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The American Cancer Society Bark For Life is a noncompetitive walk event for dogs and their owners to raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer.

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Lake Norman Currents | Macrh 2011

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What’s Cooking |

Chicken Three W Ways

by Lori K. Tate Photography by Glenn Roberson Chef Troy Gagliado of Mooresville shares his recipes on Tuesdays with Troy on Fox News Rising.

Hunter Style Chicken with Fennel & Sausage

Lake Norman Currents | March 2011

Ingredients Chicken thighs, skin on bone 4 to 6 each Kosher salt To taste Black pepper To taste Extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup Italian sausage, cut into three pieces each 3 links 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter Fennel-stem removed and sliced into 1/8ths 1 bulb Spring Vidalia onions, green end removed (reserve) white halved 4-6 each Carrot, cut into 2-inch pieces 3 each Garlic, smashed 6 cloves Fresh oregano 2 tablespoons Tomato paste 1/4 cup White wine, Pinot Grigio 2 cups Chicken stock 3 to 4 cups Instructions Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the chicken thighs and place in the pot. Brown on both sides to form a nice golden crust, about four to five minutes per side, remove and place on a plate while preparing the remaining ingredients.

Lower heat to medium-low and add the sausage pieces, brown sausage on all sides, then add the fennel, onion, carrot and garlic. Cook stirring 28

Chef Troy Gagliardo shares how to spice up the poultry in your life

ith the exception of vegetarians, we all do it — cook chicken.

You know the drill. You come home from work or doing the carpool after soccer practice, and you pull out a package of chicken. Even though you’re tired of this popular poultry dish, you’re not sure what to do to make it more exciting.

Well, say goodbye to dull chicken dishes because Mooresville resident Chef Troy Gagliardo, who shares his recipes on Tuesdays with Troy on Fox News Rising, has three recipes that are sure to bring smiles around the dinner table. Hope you feel like chicken tonight.

frequently about six to eight minutes, add the oregano and tomato paste, stir to combine, cook until the tomato paste melts into the pan.

Next, add the wine and begin scraping the bottom of the pan to bring up any of the burnt bits from the bottom to incorporate them into the sauce.

Add the chicken back into the pot along with any juices in the plate; add the chicken stock, cover the pot and place in preheated oven for 45 minutes to one hour or until the chicken is falling off of the bone.

Remove the chicken, sausage and vegetables from the pot (separately) and set aside and cover to keep warm.

Place pot back on stove over medium-high heat and reduce slightly to make sauce.

Serve all three components separately or assemble plates by placing a portion of the vegetables on the plate, top with a piece of chicken and sausage, and drizzle with the pan juices.

Serves four to six as an entrée.

Chef Troy’s Notes “The cool part about this recipe is that it’s basically a one-pot meal. It looks harder when you see the recipe, but once you learn the technique, which is technically braising, you can do it with anything. I’d say if people aren’t familiar with the braising technique, this is a great starter recipe.”

Chef Troy Gagliardo says the cool part about the Hunter Style Chicken recipe is that it’s basically a one-pot meal. www.LNCurrents.com

Pecan Bacon Crusted Chicken Breast

PA FRE RKI E NG !

The breading on the Pecan Bacon Crusted Chicken Breast protects the chicken so you have a little bit more margin for error.

and breading. Begin by seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides, then dredge in the flour and shake off the excess. Next, place Ingredients the floured chicken into the egg and let the exChicken breast, boneless and skinless, cess drip off before dredging in the bread crumbs, between five to eight ounces 4 each repeat on the remaining chicken breasts.

Kosher salt and black pepper To taste Heat some of the canola oil in a large iron All-purpose flour, about three cups To dredge skillet over medium-high heat. Place two of the Fresh eggs, beaten 6 each breaded chicken flats in the pan after the oil is Panko bread crumbs 4 cups almost smoking, let cook until golden brown Pecan halves 1 1/2 cups on both sides about two to three minutes per Bacon, sliced into strips, side. Remove from the pan and let drain off any peppered, cooked and drained 1 pound excess oil on a paper towel-lined plate. Add Canola oil 1/4-1/2 cup more canola oil to the skillet if needed and let it Instructions heat up and repeat the cooking process on the Cover a cutting board with plastic wrap and remaining chicken breasts and drain on a paper place two of the chicken breasts on the board and towel-lined plate. cover with an additional piece of plastic wrap.

Serves four as an entrée.

Using a meat mallet, pound the chicken flat about 1/4-inch thick without tearing the chicken.

Chef Troy’s Notes Use quick, flat, light strokes to achieve “This one includes breading, which is going to help even thickness and repeat with remaining someone who is real intimidated about getting it too chicken breasts. done on the outside. The breading is going to protect In a food processor, place the bacon and pulse the chicken a little bit so you have a little more margin until chopped into small pieces, place in a bowl, for error. ” pulse pecan halves and add to the bacon. Add the Panko bread crumbs, combine until well Go to www.lncurrents.com for Chef Troy incorporated.

Gagliardo’s recipe for Prosciutto Fontina Set up the flouring station with the flour, egg Chicken with Mushroom Basil Sauce.

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to North Carolina in 1994. When his contract ended in 2001, Eaker began building the wind tunnel — his “lifelong dream” — with Hendrick’s blessing.

“It took us over two years to get the funding to open,” recalls Eaker. “I didn’t have a lot of money in reserve and kind of just expected to go to a bank and get a loan. Let’s just say the bank was somewhat reluctant at first without my putting up a chunk of money.”

When AeroDyn Wind Tunnel opened during spring 2003, the race community came calling. “I began with a very small handful of very knowledgeable customers.

They knew that just being able to quantify their cars was important,” says Eaker. “Because teams are trying to match the car, the driver, the body and the chassis, if you can’t quantify what you have, then you can’t match or modify it across different cars or be competitive on different style tracks.” By summer’s end, Eaker not only had a steady stream of customers but also had begun reserving test times into the next calendar year.

The “oversized science fair project,” as he calls it, is a massive marvel of modern science. The wind tunnel is a full-scale, closed jet, contoured and optimally slotted wall test section with open return. Twenty-two individually speed-controlled 100 HP electric

fans generate between 125 – 135 mph. When Eaker and his team flip the switch, the tunnel generates 1.6 megawatts of electrical power.

Instead of pushing the air from the front of the tunnel, the fans are positioned at the rear and pull recirculated air through a honeycomb grid across the exposed areas of the car to create a smooth, undisturbed flow.

How does that translate to the non-science crowd? “It’s like unleashing a borderline Category Five hurricane in a space smaller than a football field,” Eaker says.

In order to stay completely professional and maintain confidentiality to every client, Eaker and his team avoid technical-related consultation. Instead of showing teams how to get faster, Eaker says his staff focuses on providing an accurate, repeatable and productive facility that provides repeatable data across multiple tests. “If we enter the mine field of vehicle specific recommendations then we might be perceived as transferring technology between race teams,” he says.

“If you are never surprised by aero than chances are you aren’t looking hard enough,” Eaker says. “I have yet to find anyone, no matter how experienced they are, who knows it all.

We aren’t surprised too often around here, but we are surprised occasionally and that’s what wind tunnel testing is really for.” LNC 31

Lake Norman Currents | Macrh 2011

ary Eaker works in a world far to the right of the decimal point. If you think you are fast, he can help you find ways to get faster. Tenths, hundredths and thousandths of a second faster to be exact. In a sport like racing, where the sum of many tiny improvements and fractional adjustments equates to massive gains, Eaker is a man in demand.

“If the reward of dollars and cents was proportional to the margin of victory, then we would be out of business,” says Eaker, an aerodynamicist who founded and owns AeroDyn Wind Tunnel in Mooresville. “But NASCAR rules and regulations keep things tight.

When everyone is competing for first, you are looking for the slightest incremental improvements. And when the difference between first and second over the course of an entire season is just a few points or just a few second versus third place finishes for example, our work matters and fractions of every second count.”

Eaker’s background is all about cars and making them go fast. He is a Flint, Michigan, native who got his start with General Motors as a mechanical engineer and trained in the General Motors Aerodynamics Laboratory.

When his work caught the eye of the Hendrick Motorsports team, he was hired as the team aerodynamicist and relocated his family

by Mike Savicki Photography courtesy of AeroDyn Wind Tunnel LLC

Wind tunnel testing helps the fast go faster

Around the track |

Into the Wind

When AeroDyn Wind Tunnel opened during spring 2003 in Mooresville, the race community came calling.

The Galley |

The Bone-In NY Strip and Shallot Cream Sauce is part of the fresh menu at Galway Hooker in Cornelius.

by Cathy Swiney Photography by Glenn Roberson

A Fresh Vision At Galway Hooker, it’s all about the food

Lake Norman Currents | March 2011

32

T

he micro greens on the Arancini appetizer are procured from the greenhouse in Kate Brun’s back yard in Harrisburg. Sweet potatoes for chips along with popcorn kernels arrive from Tommy and Anna Barbee’s farm in Concord.

Cheese for the Charcuterie Plate comes from Ashe County Cheese in West Jefferson.

These and others are the fresh ingredients Bradley Labarre has a passion for using in everything he creates in the kitchen at the Galway Hooker.

Labarre, a certified executive chef, was hired in May by Chris Boukedes to help him reach his dream for taking the Cornelius restaurant he bought five years ago from one that merely existed to one that people seek for its exceptional cuisine.

“I wanted to move us from who we were to where we’re going,” Boukedes says. “It’s all about the food. He [Labarre] has a plan and a vision for it.”

A new take Boukedes says people often hear the name Galway Hooker and associate it with fun events or The Comedy Zone Lake Norman, which is located above the restaurant, but he stresses the place offers much more.

“People sometimes forget that we offer some of the most unique, fresh menu items,” Boukedes says.

A new menu was rolled out in December, and while it still features some traditional Irish specialties, it is balanced with beef, chicken, seafood and pasta entrees, as well as sandwiches and nightly specials that incorporate fresh, local ingredients.

“It’s about community…buying local, living local, contributing local,” Boukedes says. “We want to make this the best restaurant for Lake Norman.”

It will certainly be the place to be on March 17, St. Patrick’s Day. All-day festivities at the restaurant begin at 8 a.m. with a Great Guinness Breakfast, and live music begins at 11 a.m.

Kenton Drive will be blocked off in front of the restaurant for a large party featuring live bands, food stations, games and a beer tent.

“That’s my Super Bowl,” Boukedes says.

The welcoming, rustic Irish pub was built piece by piece in Dublin, Ireland, before it was taken apart and shipped to Cornelius to be put back together nine years ago. Keeping with the casual and warm pub theme are the wood floors and tables, stone fireplace and Irish decor. A www.LNCurrents.com

The micro greens on the Arancini appetizercame from the greenhouse in Kate Brun’s back yard in nearby Harrisburg.

Sweet potatoes for chips come from Tommy and Anna Barbee’s farm in Concord.

The Local Seasonal Salad with toasted hazelnut vinaigrette is fast becoming a favorite.

Top Five Ingredients

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Arancini appetizer for $7 to $17 for Fisherman’s Pie.

Galway Hooker 17044 Kenton Drive Cornelius 704.895.1782 www.galwayhookerpub.com Hours: Mon 4 p.m.-midnight, Tue-Thu 4 p.m.-1 a.m., Fri-Sat 4 p.m.-2 a.m.

Closed on Sunday.

Spring forward Come spring and summer the menu will see changes as Labarre incorporates in-season ingredients. Expect to find a wider selection of salads made with locally grown greens and desserts using locally grown fresh fruits.

For an after-dinner treat, enjoy an inhouse made dessert such as Chocolate Oreo Cheesecake, a dark chocolate cheesecake with Oreo chunks on an Oreo crust. Being that it is an Irish pub, pair a dessert with one of Noreen Cleary’s special Irish coffees.

She accompanied the building when it was brought over from Ireland and remains an important part of the restaurant. LNC Free-lance writer Cathy Swiney, a Huntersville resident, has spent several years covering the restaurant scene in the Lake Norman area.

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Lake Norman Currents | March 2011

• Bradley LaBarre’s passion for food and using fresh local ingredients comes through in everything put on the plate.

• Dine in an authentic Irish pub without buying a plane ticket.

• Entertainment options abound: Mondays feature variety acts, trivia or games; Tuesdays feature comedy acts upstairs at The Comedy Zone Lake Norman; Wednesday through Saturday nights feature live music.

• Freshly popped local popcorn available in five flavors.

• Irish coffee!

large curved bar is the perfect place to grab a draft beer, glass of wine or mixed drink.

Appetizers feature a wide range of choices to suit any taste. Order the Trilogy of Sliders and you’ll have to choose between tempting options of beef, corned beef, pork, Ahi tuna and crab cake. They are served on specially made mini brioche buns from DePalo Bakery in Belmont.

More intriguing is the Arancini, lightly fried risotto fritters mixed with local cheeses and bacon served with pesto ranch and lemon jam and topped with local micro greens.

For entrees, the Beer Battered Fish and Chips is the overall favorite on the menu, Boukedes says.

Then there’s The Hooker’s Famous Burger. It consists of an eight-ounce Angus beef patty, bacon, cheddar cheese, a fried egg, herb mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, lettuce, tomato and fried onion strings served on a brioche bun.

“It’s really low fat,” Labarre says facetiously. “It has a cult following.”

The Fish Tacos prove not all are created equal. Here, they are made with fresh grilled mahi mahi rather than the usual tilapia and are served on flour tortillas with shredded Latin slaw, cheese, crème, sliced jalapenos and cilantro.

Dig In

Grapevine |

by Trevor Burton

Chenin Blanc is probably the most flexible of all the grapes. It can grow in a variety of soils and climates, and the wines it produces are a strong reflection of where and how its grapes have been grown.

S

unday evenings are kind of special for my wife and me. We gather together with a bunch of neighbors at a nearby tavern for conversation and a sip or two of wine. One recent Sunday gave me a pleasant surprise and set me to thinking. The surprise was that the one in our group who’s a founding member of the White Zinfandel For Life Association was tasting something new — a Chenin Blanc.

It always tickles me to see someone branching out to something new in wine, but this time it also got me to thinking that I tend to ignore this wine. And that’s really not too smart. Chenin Blanc doesn’t get the attention it deserves. It’s totally overwhelmed by grapes like Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay when it comes to palate share. And that translates to one thing, great value for money. I love great value for money.

A hidden pleasure

Lake Norman Currents | March 2011

Chenin

34

Blanc

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Languishing in the Shadows There are several reasons that I think contribute to Chenin Blanc’s “under-theradar” status. Historically the grape has been used in California as a high-yield production grape to help create low-cost, bulk wines. Hardly a way to generate any respect. Secondly, the grape has its greatest prowess in the Loire region of France.

But, there, all the wines are named for the region they come from, not what grape is in them. So the Chenin Blanc grape, itself, gets little recognition. Finally, there’s South Africa. This country produces a large amount of quality Chenin Blanc wines — it’s also called Steen there. But during the trade boycott of the apartheid years, none of the wines made it out of the country. All in all, Chenin Blanc has languished in the shadows for quite some time.

The obvious question is, “What do Chenin Blanc wines taste like?” There really isn’t a simple answer. Chenin Blanc is probably the most flexible of all the grapes.

It can grow in a variety of soils and climates, and the wines it produces are a strong reflection of where and how its grapes have been grown. That, to me, makes it terrifically interesting.

www.LNCurrents.com

Out of Africa If we move from the coolness of the Loire Valley to the warmth of South Africa we run into another style of Chenin Blanc.

These wines vary. They can be as acidic as their French cousins. They can be weightier, deeper and richer. Part of their characteristics comes from the soil and warm climate. Part comes from the winemaker’s art. South African winemakers tend to age their wines in oak and let wine age on its lees (dead yeast). The wines have flavors like tropical fruits and baked apples. They may be a little buttery, but that’s balanced by a small amount of citrus acidity.

Chenin Blanc has an issue that causes South African growers some headaches. It grows too well. It’s prolific. Some wine nerd stuff: to get concentrated flavors, growers like to keep grape yields low — measured in metric terms, around 40 or 50 hectoliters per hectare. In South Africa the fertile soil and climate can produce huge yields of over 200 hectoliters per hectare. The result would be wimpy, almost watery wines — neutral and bland. So growers have to thin out their vines constantly during the growing season to constrain their yields.

There’s no absolute way, just by looking at a label, to judge whether the wine inside a bottle is the result of grapes that have been properly cultivated. But, I’ve got a strategy that I’m going to follow. By law, a label has to show the alcohol content of the wine in the bottle. I’m going to use a simple rule of thumb with South African Chenin Blancs and select only those that have alco-

hol content greater than 12.5 percent. No guarantee, but a fun project to try — lots of tasting along the way. And not a price challenge. These wines are inexpensive.

Up and Coming Clarksburg We certainly produce Chenin Blanc in the United States — good Chenin Blanc, not the bulk stuff that the grape was indicted for in the past. But, there’s not a lot of it. One area that has emerged as a center of excellence for Chenin Blanc is Clarksburg, California. Just south of Sacramento and due east of Napa Valley, Clarksburg is pretty warm but has cool afternoon breezes. The climate is very much like South Africa’s, so it’s no surprise that the wines are similar. One that I tasted, recently, was right at my 12.5 percent threshold. It was cool and crisp with warm fruits and honey kicking in at the end. As well as tasting cool, the price was cool — around $10.

I hate it when a grape languishes in the shadows. So, I’m on a mission to get to know Chenin Blanc better. I’m pretty hooked on the Loire Valley wines, and I’m anxious to delve into South African and California wines; they’re a terrific value.

This is what I love about wine, drilling down and finding really interesting and tasty stuff.

Give it a try. Enjoy. LNC Trevor Burton of Mooresville, a retired technology marketing consultant, now occupies himself in the field of wine and its enjoyment.

Certified by the International Sommelier Guild, he is founder of SST Wine Experiences and, along with his wife, Mary Ellen, conducts wine education and tasting tours to wine regions throughout the world.

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Lake Norman Currents | Macrh 2011

Starting at the Beginning Let’s start in France, in the Loire region.

This is where Chenin Blanc originates.

Loire Chenin Blanc produces an astounding range of wines — from crisp, dry and acidic to sweet and complex. For me, the star of this region is a wine called Savennières — I feel a tinge of guilt talking about it because it’s not the easiest wine to find.

But it’s a wine worth searching out. Savennières is all about balance; it’s soft and fullbodied without being overbearing.

Smelling Savennières you get a huge waft of honey so you anticipate a sweet wine.

Nothing doing. On the palate the wine is bone dry with flavors like lanolin, dried honey and lemon. It has crisp acidity and huge amounts of earthy, mineral flavors. All of this in just one sip of wine. Not a casual wine for a Tuesday evening roasted chicken,

but not too expensive. You should be able to find a bottle for around $25 — remember, we all deserve a treat once in a while.

To see how flexible Chenin Blanc is, try a wine that’s grown nearby to Savennières, just across the river in Coteaux-du-Layon.

This wine is made from grapes that are allowed to really ripen and develop lots of sugar. This is another terrifically complex wine — sweeter but balancing sweetness and acidity. Just the thing for some fois gras or paté.

.

Lake Norman Currents | March 2011

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Game On |

Mark Huether of Cornelius is a golfer of a different breed. Sure, Huether enjoys the risks, rewards and skill of traditional ball golf, but when it comes to being outside and playing a sport that offers a host of new and different challenges, he says there’s nothing like disc golf.

by Mike Savicki Photography by Glenn Roberson

Disc golfers are taking their game to the air

Flying Incredible

Lake Norman Currents | March 2011

38

Objects

A

rmed with an overflowing shoulder bag full of plastic objects of all shapes, sizes and colors, Mark Huether of Cornelius is a golfer of a different breed. Sure, Huether enjoys the risks, rewards and skill of traditional ball golf, but when it comes to being outside and playing a sport that offers a host of new and different challenges, he says there’s nothing like disc golf. And if Huether and his team of course designers continue to grow the sport in parks and recreation areas around the lake, you’ll more than likely soon see more and more incredible flying objects whiz through the air when you least expect it.

Huether’s love for the game began somewhat accidentally. While walking his dog through the woods near Davidson College a few years ago, Huether says his curiosity peaked when he discovered a solitary metal post adorned with a circular basket and dangling chains sitting alone in a clearing. He recognized it as a disc golf hole, bought a disc and returned to give the sport a try.

“I grew curious about disc golf after seeing the basket standing there all alone and just decided to start playing,” recalls Huether. “It didn’t take long for me to get hooked when I realized I could play at my own pace and have fun even when I was in the woods.”

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Gaining popularity As the home to several former world champions, nationally known courses like Hornet’s Nest and Renaissance, and the East Coast sales and distribution hub of Innova Champions Discs, Inc. (a leading disc golf equipment supplier), Charlotte has earned the reputation of being one of the best disc golfing cities in the country. Eleven courses are spread around Mecklenburg County, and as Charlotte prepares to host the 2012 World Disc Golf Championship, the number of courses is expected to increase to 16 by the end of 2011. The Charlotte Disc Golf Club reports disc golf is one of the fastest growing sports in the country with more than twelve million people having played the game at least once. The number of courses nationally is growing by approximately14 percent a year.

In addition to being a nationally ranked amateur player, Huether also enjoys designing courses. He sees new and existing parks and public spaces around Lake Norman such as Bradford Park, Robbins Park and Fisher Farms as ideal locations for new courses and keeps a busy after-work schedule assisting town and county organizations that are considering adding disc golf courses to their master plans.

“Building a disc golf course can be an in-

expensive undertaking that can be easily incorporated into a park’s existing landscape with the right planning and use of volunteer support and donated materials,” Huether explains. “Disc golf is really gaining popularity around Lake Norman as new and existing public spaces consider adding disc golf courses.”

Huether was instrumental in redesigning the Bailey Road Park disc golf course and expanding it from its original nine holes to its nearly two-mile, 18-hole layout. “It is beginner friendly, safe and designed to be played as a first course for those who are learning the sport,” says Huether about the course, which opened in early 2010. “It’s a great course to practice mid-range shots after work or a great spot for those families who want to come out and try it all together. On a good summer day, we will get well over 100 players on the course.

Huether says disc golf is a sport for anybody. “I have seen 4- and 5-year-olds and 94and 95-year-olds out there playing. A basic disc costs about $8, and with all the courses that are now being built in our parks, you can have a lot of fun for next to nothing.” LNC Freelance writer Mike Savicki has lived and worked in the Lake Norman area for 15 years, frequently covering the racing scene.

THE SCOOP Thursday nights are GLOW nights at Bailey Road Park in Cornelius. Bring your flashlight and friends for a unique disc golf experience in the dark. This unique weekly series uses glow sticks and LED lighted discs to make the game uniquely fun filled and attractive to players of all ages and abilities. Prizes are awarded to weekly winners in random draw doubles and captain’s choice categories. Area pros hold free monthly clinics to attract new players.

For more information on disc golf around Lake Norman, contact Mark Huether at discgolfnews@yahoo.com. Bailey Road Park is located at 11538 Bailey Road, Cornelius.

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Lake Norman Currents | March 2011

Unique aspects Disc golf combines the free flying sport of Frisbee with the dedication and discipline of traditional ball golf. It follows the same basic rules as ball golf and shares many of the same terms. Tee boxes and greens with scoring baskets bookend fairways that are often packed full of hazards like trees, bushes and water.

When it comes to scoring, a lower score is better; eagles and birdies are preferred to pars, bogies and double bogies. And if a disc golfer throws an ace, well, that’s a trendy way of scoring a hole-in-one.

There are inherent differences between disc and ball golf. Disc golfers purposely throw shots that might hook around multiple obstacles, skip off the ground or even ricochet off a tree or two.

Holes are measured in feet, not yards, and a casual round may only take a bit over an hour and a half to play. While it is perfectly accept-

able to play a round with one single disc, most disc golfers carry an array of nearly two dozen specially designed discs for different shots, distances and course conditions.

Huether says one of the most dramatic differences between the two sports is how a disc golfer must plan his shot before he takes it. “The disc moves much more dramatically than the golf ball because of different physics, spin and angles of release, so you have to plan for multiple scenarios,” he explains. “A golf ball could hook or fade, but a well-thrown disc may actually move in three or four different directions in the air before it even hits the ground. And because disc golf fairways include obstacles like trees, you can either plan to weave the disc through the trees or stop it all together by aiming for a tree depending on what you want to do.”

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Home Port­—Garden |

A lotus blooms in Laura Curran’s lakeside garden in Cornelius.

by Lee McCracken photography by Wes Stearns

Lilies,

Lake Norman Currents | March 2011

Lovely Ladies

Laura Curran’s garden is an artist’s palette and playground 42

Photo courtesy of Laura Curran

Lotus ...and

www.LNCurrents.com

While Curran plants and tends mostly evergreens and perennials, she says she’s tempted by the colorful displays of seasonal pansies and geraniums.

Curran with one of the mannequins in her garden.

T

he lush lakefront property tended by gardening enthusiast Laura Curran is full of flowering perennials and friendly wildlife. Her Cornelius yard boasts bushes and plants that attract birds, bees and butterflies, and also offers shelter for small mammals and reptiles.

But this gardener extraordinaire doesn’t just revel in colorful blossoms and critters.

She also delights in dressing up a host of characters that inhabit her yard.

www.LNCurrents.com

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Lake Norman Currents | Macrh 2011

Fish and Frogs Curran’s yard recently was certified by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) as a wildlife friendly habitat. “A few of my friends decided to get together, take pictures of my garden and nominate it,” she says. “They surprised me at Christmas.”

Her gardening obsession began in childhood, watching and helping her grandmother on the family farm in Missouri. Having relocated to Charlotte years ago from Phoenix, as a transferee with Ingersoll Rand, Curran says the abundance of color and foliage here — not to mention the seasons — delights her senses.

Her yard abounds with azaleas, hostas,

hydrangeas, roses and angel trumpets. “My favorite flowers are any and all lilies,” she says. “I also grow water lilies and lotus in water gardens.” Curran’s yard features six shallow ponds that are filled with coy fish and visited by frogs and turtles.

“There’s also Mr. and Mrs. Mallard Duck who come by — I have one shallow pond just for them,” says Curran.

While she plants and tends mostly evergreens and perennials, she says she’s tempted by the colorful displays of seasonal pansies and geraniums. “Every year, I say I’m not going to buy any more plants, but then I can’t help myself,” she laughs. Other “annuals” are wildflowers — seedpods that have been carried by the birds and wind and “sprout willy-nilly.”

By growing native perennials and wildflowers, Curran also welcomes lots of feathered friends to her yard. “Since I leave the seed heads to ripen and naturally reseed, many more birds come to my house in the winter than the neighbors,” she says, noting she is a member of the Mecklenburg Audubon Society, a local chapter of the national organization.

“I see many, many types of birds. My favorites are the chickadees and titmice,” she says. “I also see male and female cardinals, sparrows, bluebirds, blackbirds, mockingbirds, doves and woodpeckers. And I have a new friend — a Cooper ’s Hawk.”

A squirrel enjoys lunch in Curran’s garden, which was recently certified by the National Wildlife Federation as a wildlife friendly habitat.

Lake Norman Currents | March 2011

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A Menagerie of Mannequins The NWF requirements for backyard habitat certification are these four essential components of a wildlife sanctuary: shelter (to protect birds and other wildlife); food (feeders and plants that offer seeds, berries and flowers); water (birdbaths, water gardens or natural sources of flowing water); and nesting sites (bird boxes, shrubs, or wood piles and vine tangles).

Curran’s yard has at least a dozen hanging feeders and other feeding stations for squirrels, and she has one bluebird house.

And like any typical gardener, Curran also enjoys adorning her yard with whimsical chimes, pottery and statuaries. A painter, who now enjoys watercolors, she

says her garden provides much inspiration.

“I used to paint furniture, and I also painted scenery and sets for the Davidson Community Players,” she says.

Curran now sets the stage for her own cast of characters. Years ago, she decided she’d like to have a female mannequin dressed in Victorian-era garb seated in her garden dipping her toe into one of the ponds. That grew into buying old mannequins from Belk and dressing them for various venues and tasks.

“One holds my garden hose, and sometimes I have them out by the dock,” says Curran, explaining she buys clothes for the mannequins at Goodwill. “It’s extremely fun — it’s like playing with big Barbie dolls.” LNC Lee McCracken is a Charlottearea freelance editor and writer who lives in Stanley and grew up spending summers on Cayuga Lake in upstate New York. Since moving to the Charlotte area in 1994, she has written about business, education, health care and real estate for various publications.

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Home Port |

Large windows, interior paint and accents in earth-tone colors create a seamless transition between this Davidson home’s living spaces and exterior landscape.

by Lee McCracken Photography by Wes Stearns

Green Gorgeously

Lake Norman Currents | March 2011

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Architect Paul Clark designed a home in Davidson that celebrates beauty and sustainability

N

estled in the woodlands of southeast Davidson is a newly constructed house that’s beautiful and also features a biophilic design.

“It celebrates nature both indoors and out,” says Paul Clark, the Davidson architect and builder of the home.

Paul Clark Located on a quiet cul-de-sac, the house boasts myriad wood and stone elements. Large windows, interior paint and accents in earth tone colors create a seamless transition between the home’s living spaces and exterior landscape.

“The views and natural light encourage the residents to go outside,” says Clark, adding that the ranch-style house, with a large lower level, features four decks that overlook the back yard. The professionally crafted gardens, including two all-natural ponds, make this home a nature lover’s paradise.

www.LNCurrents.com

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Lake Norman Currents | Macrh 2011

Cozy Up to Energy Efficiency Nature lovers aren’t the only ones who love this home, as it won first place for Speculative New Home and Green Speculative Home in the Lake Norman Home Builders Association’s 2010 Best of the Lake Design Competition in November.

The 4,600-square-foot house also boasts a National Association of Home Builders Green Building program gold medal, and it’s Home Energy Rating System (HERS) score is 51.

A standard new house built strictly to the building code has a HERS score of 100, which makes this residence nearly 50 percent more energy efficient than what’s constructed today.

“The views and natural light encourage the residents to go outside,” says architect Paul Clark, adding that the ranch-style house, with a large lower level, features four decks that overlook the back yard.

Paul Clark’s attention to detail also shows in the angles of the exposed fir beams complemented by the circular designs of the arched entries and kitchen bar.

“The curves add an organic quality,” he explains.

“The Home Energy Rating tester said he’d never seen anything better in the area,” says Clark. The former professor of architecture — who taught at UNC Charlotte and Virginia Tech — left the world of academia three years ago to launch his own sustainable design-build firm. A resident of Davidson, Clark says he is pleased to bring this “green” home to the community.

The house’s hybrid HVAC system combines the efficiency of a gas furnace and an electric heat pump, and the low-E windows on the east and west sides of the house are

tinted to keep the house cooler in the hot summer months. In addition, the water is solar heated, and more than 60 percent of the lighting comes from compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. Energy-Star appliances in the kitchen and low-flow toilets in the bathrooms are other energy and watersaving features Clark installed in the home.

The wood-burning fireplace in the spacious great room/living room offers benefits, too. “It’s a Rumford fireplace, named Continued on page 50

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Lake Norman Currents | march 2011

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Continued from page 48

after Count Rumford from the late 1700s,” explains Clark. “The tall, shallow design allows more heat to be tossed out into the room and less pollutants to escape out of the chimney.”

Yet, as energy efficient as the house is, it isn’t ugly or sterile. “Everyone says it doesn’t look or feel like a sustainable house,” says Clark.

The four-bedroom, three-and-a-halfbath home exudes warmth and a mountainesque tranquility. The richness of the red oak flooring, the solid-fir doors and trim, and the stately floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace give the home strength.

Clark’s attention to detail also shows in the angles of the exposed fir beams complemented by the circular designs of the arched entries and kitchen bar. “The curves add an organic quality,” he explains.

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Call us today to make your appointment! 704.596.1787 Kerry Shafran, MD • Val PierreVallat, MD • Dana L. Dorenfeld, MHS, PA-C Rachelle Cronin, PA-C • Mari H. Klos, Medical Aesthetician Mallard Creek Medical Park, 3006 Baucom Road, Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 50

The house sits on a half acre of forested land that was minimally disturbed to preserve as much wildlife as possible.

Discover Eco-Conscious Gardens Outside, the home blends into the landscape, with eye-catching red western cedar at the entrance, as well as Tennessee fieldstone and HardiPlank siding painted moss green. The house sits on a half acre of forested land that was minimally disturbed to preserve as much wildlife as possible.

Clark says the design of the driveway and gutter system replaces the need for an irrigation system. Rainwater on the driveway flows to a low point and is caught within a bed of natural stone; underground pipes carry the water to the two ponds in the back yard. In addition, rain collected in the front gutters is directed into the landscaping beds, and run-off from the other gutters and downspouts flows into the ponds supporting wildlife.

The one thing the landscape is missing is grass. Meghan Hayes, known as The Essential Gardner, designed the xeroscape with indigenous plants that offer many environmental and aesthetic benefits. She says, “All four seasons offer generous opportunities to engage the outdoors, with flowering plants, berries and ever-changing foliage.”

Each time Clark visits the house, he discovers something new. From chipmunks and deer to hawks and owls, the wildlife and landscape continue to highlight the beauty of his project and prove “green” is good for man and Mother Earth. LNC Lee McCracken is a Charlottearea freelance editor and writer who lives in Stanley and grew up spending summers on Cayuga Lake in upstate New York. Since moving to the Charlotte area in 1994, she has written about business, education, health care and real estate for various publications. www.LNCurrents.com

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Currently A month of things to do in the Lake Norman area

J

The Scoop Bark for Life takes place on March 26 at Birkdale Village in Huntersville. Registration fee is $20 per person. Registration begins at 8 a.m. You can also register online at www. barkforlifelkn.org. Walk begins at 9 a.m. For more information visit www.barkforlifelkn.org. www.LNCurrents.com

Something to Bark About Lake Norman welcomes Bark for Life

by Lori K. Tate Folks are encouraged to bring their canines out to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Don’t have a dog? No problem, as there will hopefully be rescue dogs in attendance that will be happy to walk with you. And, of course, you’re also welcome to walk dogless.

53

Lake Norman Currents | March 2011

ulia Austin is the kind of person who takes an idea and runs with it, or in this case walks. When the owner of Fifi’s in Cornelius went to a Bark for Life walk in Cleveland County last year, she decided that the Lake Norman area needed one too, so she called Jennifer Scott at the American Cancer Society.

The two started meeting and planning, and on March 26 a Bark for Life walk will take place at Birkdale Village in Huntersville. “In Charlotte we’ve been doing it [Bark for Life] since 2007,” explains Scott, who is the community manager for the South Atlantic Division of the American Cancer Society. “We just knew that there was a need because so many people participated from Lake Norman in the Charlotte walk.”

“At Lake Norman we have so many pet lovers here and families,” adds Austin. “It will just be an awesome event.”

Folks are encouraged to bring their canines out to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Don’t have a dog? No problem, as there will hopefully be rescue dogs in attendance that will be happy to walk with you. And, of course, you’re also welcome to walk dogless.

“If you register as a participant, you can start a team or you can join an existing team. We recommend that you do a team because a team can consist of one person or 100 people. It doesn’t matter,” says Scott. “It’s just kind of fun if you have a cute name for your team, rather than just registering as a participant.”

There’s a $20 registration fee, which includes an event T-shirt and goodies for your pets. At press time 14 teams and 57 participants had raised close to $5,000. “Last year in Charlotte we raised over $65,000 and had almost 1,000 people,” says Scott. “It’s a fun walk.” LNC

A month of things to do in the Lake Norman area Currently |

CONCERTS Cornelius Concert Series (March 6) Pianist Katie Reimer presents Miniature Portraits and Dramatic Narratives. The recital includes pieces by Ludwig van Beethoven, Robert Schumann and Mohammed Fairouz. 7 p.m. Mt. Zion United Methodist Family Life Center, 19600 Zion Avenue, Cornelius.

Musical Interludes (March 11) Enjoy a noontime concert featuring Shirley Gilpin on flute and Cynthia Lawing on piano. 12:30 p.m. Free. Tyler-Tallman Hall, Sloan Music Center, Davidson College, 704.894.2848, www.davidson.edu.

Mooresville Concert Series (March 12) The Gootman Sauerkraut Band performs German-style music. 7:30 p.m. $10, $5 for students, children 10 and under admitted free. Charles Mack Citizen Center, 215 North Main Street, 704.662.3334, www. downtownmooresville.com.

5th Year of Organ @ Davidson (March 15) Marek Kudlicki, a concert organist from Vienna, Austria, performs. 7:30 p.m. Free. Davidson College Presbyterian Church, 100 North Main Street, Davidson, www.dcpc.org.

Faculty Recital at Davidson College (March 23) Enjoy a piano recital by artist associates Ruskin Cooper and Cynthia Lawing. The two performers will present a bicentennial celebration of Franz Liszt and Robert Schumann, with remarks by Millner Professor of Music William Lawing. 7:30 p.m. Free.

Tyler-Tallman Hall, Sloan Music Center, Davidson College, 704.894.2848, www.davidson.edu.

Music at St. Alban’s (March 30) Enjoy the glorious sounds of The Choir of Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford, one of England’s oldest and finest choirs of men and boys, as they begin their American tour in Davidson. The choir will perform pieces spanning its 500-year history, including works by Taverner, Tallis, Purcell, Stanford, Parry, Walton and Tippett.

7:30 p.m. $25 in advance, $35 at the door. St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 301 Caldwell Lane, Davidson, 704.941.0650, www.musicatstalbans.net.

EVENTS

Lake Norman Currents | March 2011

27th Davidson Horticultural Symposium (March 1) This year this annual symposium features speakers such as Paul Faulkner “Chip” Callaway, David L. Creech, Erica Glasener, Darrel Morrison and Barbara Pleasant. 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. $85, $45 full-time student rate; registration is required.

Davidson College, www.davidsonsymposium.org.

Rotary Talent Show and Pancake Breakfast (March 5) This annual event features a live auction, a talent show and pancakes. 7-11 a.m. $10. Bethel Presbyterian Church, 19920 Bethel Church Road, Cornelius, 704.999.1864, www.bethelpc.com.

Lake Norman Wildlife Conservationists Live Program (March 10) Nature lovers will enjoy a

54

program featuring the Carolina Raptor Center’s stars. Hermes the Eastern Screech Owl and Dudley the Great Horned Owl are sure to be there, along with other favorites. 7-8 p.m. Free.

Mooresville Library, 304 S. Main Street, Mooresville, 704.877.4788, www.lakenormanwildlife. org.

Movies on Main (March 11) Bring your family to see Toy Story 2, where Andy heads off to cowboy camp, leaving his toys to their own devices.

7:30 p.m. Free. Charles Mack Citizen Center, 215 N. Main Street, Mooresville, 704.662.3334, www. downtownmooresville.com.

LKN Ducks Unlimited Dinner Event (March 12) This annual charity event features a full dinner, drinks, auction, raffle and tons of prizes.

Proceeds benefit the Ducks Unlimited cause by protecting wildlife within the Lake Norman area. 6 p.m. Early bird registration $45, door registration $50, early bird couple registration $70, couple door registration $75. Charles Mack Citizen Center, 215 N. Main Street, Mooresville, www.lknducksunlimited.com.

Davidson Farmer’s Market (March 12 and 26) Farmers sell a bounty of seasonal vegetables; pasteurized meats and cheeses; and freshly baked breads, cakes and pies. 9-11 a.m. Free.

Next to Town Hall between Main and Jackson streets in downtown Davidson, www.davidsonfarmesmarket.org.

Inaugural Angels 5K Run Walk & Fun Run (March 19) Run to support the Angels of ’97, a non-profit group that raises money to provide scholarships to North Mecklenburg and Hopewell High School seniors. Registration 7-8:30 a.m., 9 a.m. 5K Competitive Run, 9:05 a.m.

5K Run/Walk, 10:15 a.m. Fun Run. $25 online registration or mail in through March 17; $30 March 18 through event start, Fun Run $10. North Mecklenburg High School, 11201 Old Statesville Road, 704.877.4967, www.Angels5K.com.

15th Annual Angels of ’97 All You Can Eat Spaghetti Dinner and Auctions (March 19) This annual dinner is held in memory of five members of the North Mecklenburg High School class of 1997 who passed away during their 10th and 12th grade years. Family members and friends host the community dinner and use the money raised to provide scholarships to North Mecklenburg and Hopewell High School seniors. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (delivery available). $5.

North Mecklenburg High School, 11201 Old Statesville Road, 704.609.8883, www.angelsof97. com.

Hats Off to Ladies Fashion Show & Luncheon (March 22) Wear your favorite chapeau and join the North Mecklenburg Women’s Club as it celebrates women with a fashion show and luncheon. Proceeds go toward the North Mecklenburg Women’s Club scholarship fund for women

returning to school as adults. 11 a.m. $40. The Peninsula Club, 19101 Peninsula Club Drive, Cornelius, 704.966.0389, lavadnais@yahoo.com.

The American Cancer Society Bark for Life Walk (March 26) This noncompetitive walk for dogs and their owners raises funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer. Registration 8 a.m., walk 9 a.m.

Birkdale Village, Huntersville, www.barkforlifelkn.org.

GALLERIES Andre Christine Gallery Various exhibitions in addition to sculpture by Dana Gingras. Tue-Sat 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun noon-4 p.m. 148 Ervin Road, Mooresville, 704.775.9516, andrechristinegallery.com.

Artworks on Main Monthly exhibitions. Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 165 North Main Street, Mooresville, 704.664.2414, www.artworksonmain.com.

Carolina Art Garden Various exhibitions.

Tue-Sat Noon-6 p.m. Oak Street Mill, 19725 Oak Street, Suite 3, Cornelius. www.lknart.org.

Christa Faut Gallery Monthly exhibitions. TueFri 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 19818 North Cove Road, Suite E3, Jetton Village, Cornelius, 704.892.5312, www.christafautgallery.com.

Cornelius Arts Center Various exhibitions. MonThu 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Fri 9 a.m.-Noon. 19725 Oak Street, Cornelius, www.corneliusartscenter.com.

Depot Art Gallery The 71st Annual Youth Art Show features work from area student artists.

Through March. 103 W. Center Avenue, Mooresville.

Four Corners Framing and Gallery Monthly exhibitions. Tue-Fri 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 112 S. Main Street, Mooresville, 704.662.7154, wwwfcfgframing.com.

Lake Country Gallery Various exhibitions.

Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Exit 36 – Mooresville, between Belk and Kohl’s, 704.664.5022, www.lakecountrygallery.net.

Landmark Galleries The work of watercolorist ‘Cotton’ Ketchie. Mon-Sat 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 212 North Main Street, Mooresville, 704.664.4122, www. landmark-galleries.com.

Merrill-Jennings Galleries Monthly exhibitions.

Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 463 S. Main Street, Davidson, 704.895.1213, www.merrilljennings.com.

Mooresville Artist Guild Monthly exhibitions.

103 West Center Avenue, Mooresville, www. magart.org. www.LNCurrents.com

Tropical Connections Monthly exhibitions. TueFri 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. or by appointment. 230 N. Main Street, Mooresville.

704.664.0236.

Van Every/Smith Galleries, Katherine and Tom Belk Visual Arts Center Herb Jackson: Excavations celebrates 42 years of teaching and 50 years of painting by Davidson’s Douglas C. Houchens Professor of Fine Arts, Herb Jackson. Jackson is retiring at the end of this academic year. Artist reception March 10, 7-9 p.m. Through April 20. Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat-Sun noon-4 p.m. Davidson College, 315 N. Main Street, Davidson, 704.894.2519, www. davidson.edu/art/galleries.

THEATRE Celebrity Autobiography (March 9) Part of the Davidson College Artist Series, this comic theatrical work brings the published memoirs of America’s celebrities to the stage. 8 p.m. Reserved seat tickets $20. Duke Family Performance Hall, Davidson College, 704.894.2135, www.davidson. edu/tickets.

Masterpiece (Through March 13) Based on actual events of the 20th century’s most notorious forgery scandal, the drama follows a Flemish artist who successfully forges a ‘masterpiece’ by Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer. Thu-Sat 8 p.m., Sun 2 p.m. (2 p.m. matinee on March 12). $18, senior

$15, student up to 21 $10. Davidson Community Players, Armour Street Theatre, 307 Armour Street, Davidson, 704.892.7918, www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org.

Into the Woods (March 25-April 2) Davidson College’s theatre department presents Stephen Sondheim’s Broadway musical Into the Woods. The show depicts an all-star lineup of fairy tale characters hilariously colliding in pursuit of their own “happy ever after.” The play contains some adult themes and is recommended for ages eight and up. Fri-Sat 8 p.m., Sun 2 p.m. $15, $11 seniors, $6 students. Duke Family Performance Hall, Davidson College, 704.894.2135, www.davidson.edu/tickets.

REGULAR EVENTS The Artisan Market Craft Crawl (First Saturday) Formerly known as the Mooresville Craft Crawl, this market features baked goods, clothing, embroidery, jewelry, paintings, pottery, quilts and woodcarvings. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free.

Mooresville Town Square across from Lowe’s, www.theartisanmarket.com.

Blue Planet Water Environmental Center Tour (First Tuesday, Third Thursday) Learn about water and wastewater through a hands-on tour. Fun for all ages. Tours are available the first Tuesday and the third Thursday of the month on a first-come, first-served basis. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Admission TBA. Call 704.621.0854 or e-mail Bplanet@ci.charlotte.nc.us to schedule a tour.

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At the Corner of Art & Main ArtWalk (Second Friday Night) Downtown Mooresville shows its artistic side with its monthly Art Walk. 6-9 p.m.

Free. Downtown Mooresville, 704.664.2414, www.artworksonmain.com.

Downtown Mooresville Cruise-In (First Saturday) The cruise-in is a chance to show off your car in downtown Mooresville. To enter the show parking area, cars must be from the years 1979 or earlier. 3-7 p.m. Free. North Academy Street and West Moore Avenue, Mooresville, www. mooresvillenccruisein.com.

Gallery Crawl at Oak Street Mills (Fourth Friday) Visit artist exhibits in each shop, along with the Carolina Art Garden. 6-10 p.m. Free.

Oak Street Mill, 19725 Oak Street, Cornelius.

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Lake Norman Currents | Macrh 2011

Davidson College Baseball The Wildcats promise not to disappoint this year. Furman (March 4, 7 p.m.; March 5, 2 p.m.; March 6, 1 p.m.), College of Charleston (March 11, 7 p.m.; March 12, 2 p.m.; March 13, 1 p.m.), UNC Asheville (March 15, 7 p.m.), N.C. A & T (March 22, 6 p.m.), Western Carolina (March 25, 7 p.m.; March 26, 2 p.m.; March 27, 1 p.m.), N.C. Central (March 29, 6 p.m.) Davidson College campus, www. davidsonwildcats.com.

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by Kathleen McMahan Photography by Trent Pitts Lake Norman Currents | March 2011

ebruary has passed, and many are experiencing the winter thaw along with CHAOS (Can’t Have Anyone Over Syndrome). Our homes are a reflection of us, and they also help us be who we want to become.

My philosophy is “you are how you live.” This statement coincides with the same principle of “you are what you eat.”

Recently, I have had an abundance of clients wanting to redecorate their homes. Most of them claimed they would have to move because the task just seemed too daunting and overwhelming.

As satisfying as complete room overhauls may be, the sad fact is that for many of us with limited budgets or limited time, a clean break with the past is not always possible or realistic. We often have to live with things we do not like, negotiating with our partner and saving up for our next décor change.

Never fear! Re-inventing your new nest does not have to be an agonizing event. Quite frankly it can be a time of self-discovery if you break it down into manageable steps.

Here are some tips to get you started.

Creative Vision: Start with a “vision file.” Collect anything that appeals to you, whether it is a paint color, magazine pictures or something as simple as a peacock feather. This folder goes everywhere with you. Collect, collect, collect!

Clean Out/Clear Out: Become familiar with your home. Start by giving your kitchen a heavy-duty cleaning like it has never seen before. Even if you are not much of a cook, this is the perfect opportunity to stock up on some nice ingredients that will motivate you to start. Good food is an affordable luxury, like fresh flowers. It is a small, yet significant step towards creating a better home life. Purge your cooking surroundings of all things that do not relate to your vision file.

Dreaded Drop Zone: Adding this aspect to your daily life is an absolute game changer. You must pick a spot in your home for filtering the outside world and keeping the home calm. A back hallway painted a happy color is the perfect place for dropping purses and plugging in electronics. Add baskets for sorting mail and hooks for backpacks and coats.

Retail Therapy: Your vision file is your navigational tool to help you stay the course and not be tempted by emotional purchases. So many clients are in a hurry and end up purchasing too many small things, which instantly clutter up the space and have nothing to do with their goal.

Do not be tempted by carbohydrates vs. protein purchases.

If you have your heart set on an antique gold gilt mirror, keep your eye on the prize. Carbohydrate purchases in the long run will not hold their value, nor do they satisfy.

Design Goggles: Look at your surroundings with designer eyes. Now that you have purged and edited your abode, look at your home and shake things up. If there is a dreaded oak buffet that has sat in the same spot in the dining room, it might look fab lacquered coral red and placed in the foyer. I know Aunt Mabel passed this piece on to you, but that doesn’t mean it has to be sad in the same spot of the dining room for the rest of its life. Blending old pieces with new makes for the most interesting homes. Have fun!

56

Give Your Home a Spring Makeover Interior designer Kathleen McMahan tells you how

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scandinavian & contemporary designs

Recliners • Sofas • Sectionals • Rugs • Lighting • Barstools Bedrooms • Dining • Occasional • Entertainment Centers • Home Theater

19420 Jetton Road, I-77, Exit 28 • Cornelius NC 704.995.6120 www.innbo.com scandinavian & contemporary designs

HOURS: TUES-SAT 10-6; FRI 10-8; SUN & MON BY APPT.

www.ALakeHome.com Nadine Roberts 704-361-9183

NEW...Text today for more information!

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Y 8385normanestatesdr.ePropertySites.com

ou will absolutely adore this waterfront estate with exquisite charm & master craftsmanship throughout! An amazing backyard paradise boasts a heated pool/spa overlooking a beautiful natural sandy beach. Grand foyer with 1 of 7 fireplaces opens to a stunning Great Room w/gorgeous builtins & soaring tin ceiling. A gourmet Kitchen any chef would love. Luxurious master suite on main.

Spectacular lower level with fabulous billiard & game rm. A must see. #999189 $3,000,000

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G 8280bladestrail.ePropertySites.com

orgeous waterfront home w/over 300 ft of panoramic views from this point lot. Rare & exceptional parklike backyard w/beautiful landscape design & extreme privacy! Enjoy lake living to the fullest w/private pier & floating dock. Relax on the patio area by the outdoor fireplace or inside from the fabulous Great Rm w/cozy fireplace, gourmet Kitchen, sunny Breakfast room, & Dining Rm. Upper level offers 2 bedrms & huge Bonus Rm. Don’t miss this cul-de-sac lakefront gem! $870,000

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O 7830longbaypkwy.ePropertySites.com

riginal list price $949k!! Immaculate & stunning waterfront home with supreme privacy! Spacious floor plan boasts a gorgeous Great Room w/fireplace, formal Living Room & Gourmet Kitchen with sunny breakfast area to take in the lakeview! Master Suite on main w/trey ceiling & luxury bath. Walk-out lower level w/huge rec rm & awesome wet bar! Beautiful covered patio area only steps away from your floating dock! Neighboring lot available also! #971205 $739,000

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F 2672canvasbacklane.ePropertySites.com

abulous lake front home awaits with huge water view! Full brick ranch style home that features a gorgeous great room, and an amazing keeping room with cozy fireplace. Gourmet kitchen will make entertaining a snap with an elegant dining room. Relax by the in ground pool and spa while enjoying breathtaking lake views. Luxurious Master suite and master bath. Spacious three car garage. Don't miss this beauty with it’s own private covered pier. #991015 $635,000